Caring for Old Shoes

I never had a costuming class that included special care for specific items in storage.  All the ideas I use are from real experience and advice from others that I have worked with.  I will occasionally share a pearl or two on care of specific items.

Shoes are hard to store, they take up an enormous amount of space and that is something always in short supply.  First always clean shoes before storing.  Spray the inside with disinfecting spray and let completely dry.  If they are leather a good cleaning with leather conditioner to help retain moisture then polish.  It may seem counter intuitive to polish before storing, but leather is fragile and the added protection and moisture will extend the life of the shoes.

If the shoes are made from a man made material wiping them down with a vinyl cleaner will help, Armour all has vinyl products made to take care of the interior of your car and they work well on vinyl shoes as well.

The best way to store shoes is on a rack so air can flow around them.  If that is not possible then a storage container that allows air is better than a sealed tub.  If you can find shoe forms to place in the shoes it will also extend the life of the shoe.

Very old shoes become fragile and are prone to a dry rot.  Leather moisturizer may help bring back a pair of shoes but once they get too dry they become a decorator piece instead of wearable.

New soles and new heel tips are often inexpensive compared to the cost of replacing a good period shoe.  Find a reliable shoe repair shop and use them often.

If you care for period shoes they will last many a year.